09/18/2012

Wrinkle Free Suit Bike Commute

One common question I get from people who find out I ride my bike to work is, "What about your clothing?" I actually must present myself as a professional person during normal business hours, but you would never know it if you saw me on my bike. I never ride in my business clothing. I will save my thoughts on clothing transport for a future entry, but reader Brian sent along his hack for transporting clothing without all the wrinkles. Take it away Brian . . .

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I live in a very hot, humid climate (Eastern North Carolina), but I wear a sport coat or suit jacket for my job. From May to September, wearing the coat during my daily commute is pretty much out of the question.

So, I made this rack so I can hang my coat and transport it without wrinkling. It works with a Wald folding rear basket*, which I recommend in any case. So, besides the basket, you'll need a floor lamp -- the cheap box-store variety that students tend to have in their dorms, and then throw out. Something like this. I found mine out at the curb on trash day -- thanks, neighbor!

The only parts of the lamp you'll need are the pole itself and the threaded clamp that holds the pole to the base. You'll also need a little extra sheet metal (I used the lid from a cookie jar), and some nylon zip ties. I used a garment bag with handles that loop over the pole, and a strap (originally for holding the two handles together) that fits perfectly around the pole.

Once you've installed the base, you can screw the pole on or off in seconds. The base doesn't interfere with the folding of the basket.

Coming home in the evening, I'll often clip an extra blinky light to the top of the garment bag, or even (for full nerd effect) put a reflective vest over the garment bag.